 | 'There have been reports that he kept a diary of his life behind bars and intends to follow in the footsteps of Jeffrey Archer by publishing his prison memoirs. There have also been reports that he intends to retake his seat in the House of Lords and that he might campaign for prison reforms.' Steve Bargeton, political editor in the Courier, 24 th May 2006 |  |
DISGRACED PEER Lord Mike Watson of Invergowrie was released from prison yesterday after serving eight months for starting a fire in a top Edinburgh hotel.
Former Glasgow Cathcart MSP Lord Watson was sentenced to 16 months in September 2005 for setting fire to the curtains in the hotel after an awards ceremony attended by some of ScotlandŐs top politicians and celebrities.
He made no comment as he emerged from EdinburghŐs Saughton Prison into a media scrum.
It is understood that the former sport and culture minister was later reunited with his wife Claire.
There have been reports that he kept a diary of his life behind bars and intends to follow in the footsteps of Jeffrey Archer by publishing his prison memoirs.
There have also been reports that he intends to retake his seat in the House of Lords and that he might campaign for prison reforms.
Lord Watson started the blaze in the main reception of EdinburghŐs Prestonfield House Hotel in the early hours of November 12, 2004.
He had been attending the 2004 Scottish Politician of the Year Awards.
On admitting the offence, he resigned from the Scottish Parliament and from his post as director of Dundee United Football Club.
He was later expelled from the Labour Party, although it is currently not possible to resign from the House of Lords.
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